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Music Features

Saturday

Reflecting On EMI, An Industry Giant Felled In 2012

The London headquarters of EMI, whose sale this year brought the number of major labels from four to three. Simon Dawson/Bloomberg via Getty Images hide caption

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Simon Dawson/Bloomberg via Getty Images

The Record

Reflecting On EMI, An Industry Giant Felled In 2012

In the music business, 2012 may be remembered as the year the weakest of the major record labels was swallowed up by the others. The demise of EMI raises big questions about the future of a business now dominated by just a few players.

Reflecting On EMI, An Industry Giant Felled In 2012

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Sunday

Saturday

'Kuduro,' The Dance That Keeps Angola Going

Dancer Fogo de Deus, who is part of the Os Kuduristas project of traveling kuduro artists. courtesy of Os Kuduristas hide caption

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courtesy of Os Kuduristas

The Record

'Kuduro,' The Dance That Keeps Angola Going

An exuberant, fast-paced electronic dance music born during a civil war has started traveling from its southwestern African home to dance floors around the globe. Some international stars have embraced the style, but its leading ambassador is a son of the Angolan head of state.

'Kuduro,' The Dance That Keeps Angola Going

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Thursday

Wednesday

Ravi Shankar, Who Brought Eastern Music To Western Legends, Dies

Ravi Shankar circa 1960 in the U.K. David Redfern/Redferns hide caption

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David Redfern/Redferns

The Record

Ravi Shankar, Who Brought Eastern Music To Western Legends, Dies

When he was just 10 years old, Shankar began performing in Europe and the US with his family's Indian dance troupe. But at age 18, Shankar gave up all the glitter to study with a guru who taught him the sitar. He became a master, and introduced the West to his country's music.

Ravi Shankar, Who Brought Eastern Music To Western Legends, Dies

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Tuesday

Who Should Be In The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame?

Donna Summer, a possible Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, poses for a portrait circa 1976. Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images hide caption

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Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

The Record

Who Should Be In The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame?

The annual list of inductees to the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame spurs debate among fans and industry insiders alike.

Who Should Be In The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame?

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Monday

Remembering Banda Diva Jenni Rivera

Jenni Rivera performs at the Lilith Fair in 2010 in San Diego. David Bergman/Getty Images hide caption

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David Bergman/Getty Images

The Record

Remembering Banda Diva Jenni Rivera

The singer died in an airplane that crashed in the early hours of Sunday morning in Toluca, Mexico. She was a household name and feminist presence in the Latin music scene.

Remembering Banda Diva Jenni Rivera

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Grammy Nominations 2012: The Comedown

Nate Ruess performs at the Grammy nominations concert on Dec. 5. Ruess's band, fun., was nominated for Album, Record and Song of the year. Kevin Winter/Getty Images hide caption

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Kevin Winter/Getty Images

The Record

Grammy Nominations 2012: The Comedown

With a wide variety of styles and critical favorites represented, there's plenty about the recent Grammy nominations to feel good about. Once the awards themselves arrive in February, there are a number of ways they could disappoint us.

Sunday

The Week In Music: What To Read Now, 4th Quarter Edition

Mick Jagger performing Saturday night in Brooklyn — the Rolling Stones' first American date on the band's 50th anniversary tour. DON EMMERT/AFP/Getty Images hide caption

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DON EMMERT/AFP/Getty Images

The Record

The Week In Music: What To Read Now, 4th Quarter Edition

As 2012 winds down and the Top 10 game kicks into high gear, music writing stays fiery. Read Camille Paglia on Katy Perry and Taylor Swift, Geeta Dayal on Beck and a collection of quotes from Pitchfork interviews.

Friday

Wednesday

Remembering The Vital Force Of Jazz Pianist Dave Brubeck

Dave Brubeck performing on the pilot episode of a television program in 1965. CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images hide caption

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CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images

The Record

Remembering The Vital Force Of Jazz Pianist Dave Brubeck

One of the most recognized and recognizable musicians of the postwar era — the piano player whose "Take Five" was a pop hit — died Wednesday, one day shy of 92.

Remembering The Vital Force Of Jazz Pianist Dave Brubeck

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Tuesday

Saviors Of Local Soul: The Archival Science Of The Numero Group

The Numero Group's Eccentric Soul: Omnibus includes 45 seven-inch singles highlighting local soul scenes from around the country. Courtesy of the Numero Group hide caption

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Courtesy of the Numero Group

The Record

Saviors Of Local Soul: The Archival Science Of The Numero Group

Reissue labels generally fly below the radar, but the Numero Group has made a name for itself by releasing thorough archival investigations of local labels and scenes in distinctive packaging. Now the label is celebrating its 45th release with a set of 45 seven-inch singles.

A $100 Guitar Makes A 30,000-Mile Odyssey

The $100 guitar proves once again that it's not just the instrument, it's what you do with it. Courtesy of The $100 Guitar Project hide caption

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Courtesy of The $100 Guitar Project

The Record

A $100 Guitar Makes A 30,000-Mile Odyssey

The $100 Guitar Project started when two friends bought a cheap guitar on a whim. They invited some other friends to compose and record an original piece on the instrument. Nels Cline, Fred Frith and Elliott Sharp are among the 65 guitarists who recorded for the project that went viral.

A $100 Guitar Makes A 30,000-Mile Odyssey

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Sunday

Wednesday